Morocco: Mawazine festival in Rabat May 12-20

Event

The Mawazine music festival is scheduled to take place in and around Rabat from May 12 to 20, and is expected to bring more than 2 million visitors to the city. As with any large event or festivity, rates of petty crime will likely rise along with the influx of visitors. Increased security and transportation disruptions should be expected for the duration of the event.

Context

The Mawazine Rhythms of the World Festival, which began in 2001, is an eight-day music festival that includes musical performers on eight different stages throughout Rabat and neighboring Salé.

Advice

Individuals are advised to account for possible travel disruptions due to large crowds and extra security.

More generally, due to a significant underlying terrorist threat, individuals in Morocco are advised report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities and to exercise caution at all times, particularly when visiting sites deemed particularly likely to be targeted in an attack (festivals, public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, etc.), especially in major cities such as Rabat, Marrakesh, and Casablanca.